The City Council is being asked to approve an Interim Appointment Agreement for Kevin Iffland to serve as Interim City Administrator while the City completes the recruitment and appointment process for a permanent City Administrator.

The agreement establishes the temporary nature of the appointment, defines the duties and authority of the Interim City Administrator, sets compensation and benefits during the interim assignment, and provides for Mr. Iffland’s automatic reinstatement to the Assistant City Administrator position at the conclusion of the interim appointment.

The agreement is intended to provide continuity of executive leadership, maintain organizational stability, and clearly define expectations for both the City and the employee during the interim period. Key provisions include base salary, vehicle allowance, continued benefits, retirement contribution, business expense reimbursement, indemnification, performance review authority, and reinstatement rights.

The City of Billings is in a transition period following the vacancy vacancy in the City Administrator position. The City Council is responsible for appointing a City Administrator under the Billings City Charter and must ensure continuity of executive leadership during the period between permanent appointments.

Kevin Iffland currently serves as Assistant City Administrator and has significant experience with City operations, budget development, labor relations, public safety administration, Council support, and cross-department coordination. The proposed agreement appoints him on a temporary basis as Interim City Administrator beginning May 30, 2026.

The agreement provides that the interim appointment will continue until a permanent City Administrator begins employment, with the option for the Mayor to request a transition period of up to fourteen days after the permanent City Administrator’s start date. During any transition period, compensation and business expense provisions would remain in effect, but the Interim City Administrator would no longer exercise the authority of the City Administrator.

The agreement also recognizes Mr. Iffland’s current employment as Assistant City Administrator and provides that, upon termination of the interim appointment for any reason, he will automatically return to the Assistant City Administrator position without loss of tenure, benefits, seniority, rank, reporting structure, or material duties.

The agreement establishes the following fiscal terms during the interim appointment:

Annual Base Salary: $225,718.48.
COLA Treatment: Mr. Iffland will not receive the non-bargaining employee COLA effective July 1, 2026, but will be eligible for any subsequent non-bargaining COLA approved after July 1, 2026.
Vehicle Allowance: $500 per month.
Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Continued participation under the City’s applicable employee benefit plans.
Leave Accrual and Use: Continued accrual and use of sick leave and vacation leave consistent with the City Employee Handbook and applicable Montana law.
Retirement: Continued participation in the Montana Public Employees Retirement Administration program, plus a City contribution equal to 15% of base salary to a 401(a) plan or alternative compensation if contribution limits apply.
Business Expenses: Reimbursement of approved business-related expenses consistent with City policy.
Professional Development and Civic Participation: Payment of reasonable costs for approved professional development and local civic organization participation.

The agreement also provides that, during the term of the interim appointment, the Assistant City Administrator position will remain vacant and may not be permanently filled. This will offset a portion of the fiscal impact of the interim compensation package depending on temporary interim support is assigned.

Key stakeholders include:

Mayor and City Council: Responsible for approving the interim agreement and maintaining executive leadership continuity.

City Administration and Department Directors: Rely on clear executive authority, continuity of operations, and consistent policy direction during the transition.

Kevin Iffland: Employee subject to the interim appointment terms, compensation provisions, duties, and reinstatement rights.

City Council may approve or not approve the appointment of Kevin Iffland as Interim City Administrator. If Mr. Iffland is not approved, Council will need to determine how to proceed.